Coffee with a Cop

Officers with the Neighborhood Policing Unit and members of the police department command staff will host “Coffee with a Cop” on Thursday, November 20th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Chick-Fil-A at 1130 Malabar Road. The program offers the community an opportunity to meet local police officers in an informal neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.

Coffee with a Cop allows the public to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Palm Bay’s neighborhoods.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction. “We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know the officers,” said Chief Doug Muldoon.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time. For more information contact the Neighborhood Policing Unit atNPU@pbfl.org or call 952-3463.